Spherical concept tire takes AI on the road

At last year's Geneva Motor Show, Goodyear unveiled a spherical tire concept known as the Eagle 360. Linked to the car using a magnetic levitation suspension system (theoretically, at least), a set of the tires would allow the vehicle to move in any direction – even sideways. At this year's show, the company has pushed the concept a step further, with the artificial-intelligence-packin' Eagle 360 Urban.

Like its predecessor, the 360 Urban's exterior consists of a sensor-laden rubber "bionic skin." This would allow it to continuously monitor road conditions, and adapt its tread accordingly.

The new tire would do the latter via electrically-triggered actuators beneath its surface, which pull the individual tread elements in to form "dimples" in wet conditions, or pushes them out to form a smooth tread when the roads are dry. Using its artificial intelligence system, it could then learn what tread patterns work best in which conditions, and apply that knowledge in the future.

It's also designed to communicate via the internet with other vehicles that are running the same kind of tires. In this way, it could both transmit and receive data regarding conditions on the road ahead, allowing the tread to change proactively so it's ready for what's coming.

Additionally, its "brains" would allow it to detect when punctures occur. Should this happen, it could rotate itself so that the punctured section was no longer making contact with the road. Sealant would then flow out from within the tire, sealing the hole.

So, how long will it be before you see a set of Eagle 360 Urbans on a vehicle near you? Well, they obviously won't fit on regular cars, so compatible vehicles will have to be manufactured first. Judging by the scenery in the video below, that might not be for a while.